Encendemos la chispa de la grandeza—We Spark Greatness

Encendemos la chispa de la grandeza—We Spark Greatness

Mission and Vision

Vision

Irish Elementary students will transition to middle school bilingual, biliterate, with sociocultural competence and a strong foundation of 21st century learning skills to be successful in a diverse, multilingual, global society.

Mission

We are here to nurture every Irish Elementary student to his/her full academic, social and emotional potential through diverse language and learning experiences that build 21st century skills.

Our Beliefs About Student Learning

We believe that our students:

  • learn best through opportunities for personal exploration and for communication with others.
  • learn best, through explicit modeling of important concepts, with high quality instruction in an environment of high expectation and mutual respect.
  • achieve their greatest potential in a safe, non-threatening environment where students’ basic needs are met and a positive relationship exists between students, instructors, family, and community.
  • are intrinsically motivated to learn when concepts are presented within authentic contexts that respect the varied learning styles within a classroom.
  • are academically successful when their native language is valued, developed, maintained and used as a bridge to access their second language.
  • most effectively learn a second language when they are consistently provided quality instruction from educators who conscientiously employ strategies based on evidence-based practices research in the area of second language acquisition.
  • will be motivated to learn when they are empowered to respect their heritage and the heritage of others while in an environment that prepares them to be life-long learners in a multicultural world.
  • benefit from a consistent implementation of a developmentally appropriate school-wide social emotional learning plan that allows students avenues of personal connection to themselves and the people and world around them.
PSD does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, age or disability in access or admission to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. A lack of English speaking skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation.